MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State equestrian rider Kelly Bovaird will be one of 16 riders competing this Wednesday and Thursday at the 2013 American Quarter Horse Association Horsemanship (AQHA) Challenge in Oklahoma City, Okla. The event is part of the AQHA Amateur World Show.

“I am thrilled that K-State has a rider qualified for the AQHA Challenge this year,” said head coach Casie Maxwell. “Kelly had an excellent junior season earning her a bid to compete in Oklahoma City, but more important she is on a roll this senior season coming off October NCEA and Big 12 Rider of the Month honors. She has worked extremely hard and definitely deserves to be representing K-State in this event.”

This season, Bovaird has been almost unstoppable in Horsemanship. The senior from Tulsa, Okla., has compiled a 7-1 record, while picking up two Most Outstanding Player (MOP) honors. Her performance in the month of October led to her being named both National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) and Big 12 Rider of the Month in Horsemanship.

“Being asked to participate in the AQHA Collegiate Horsemanship Challenge is the most humbling but thrilling event to happen to me in all my years on the Kansas State Equestrian Team,” said Bovaird. “I am honored to represent K-State and I am looking forward to competing amongst such a talented group of riders on a group of high caliber horses. I am extremely excited and ready to be in Oklahoma City.”

The preliminary round will begin on Wednesday at 11 a.m., with the second round set to begin later that day. The final round begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

K-State closes the fall season with a tough matchup against No. 4 Georgia on Friday at Timbercreek Stables. The meet is free and open to the public and is set for a 9 a.m. start time.